On this page you will find general information on nutrition & the importance of good fluid intake, along with further information to make you aware of issues surrounding possible iron depletion in swimmers as well as a link to Anti-doping rules.

Nutrition

The following information was from a talk given by the Sport Science Officer at Stirling University and really sets out how swimmers need to be fueling their bodies. Pre & post pool snacks should be kept handy and drinking fluids depending on demands of the session. Water or Squash for low level technique and endurance, using fingers on the side of the bottle to gauge how much you drink. High carbohydrate drinks for intense training, sprints, at competitions when you have a lot of back to back events. Also to take a snack approximately every 3hrs to maintain glycogen stores.

Swimmers & other athletes involved in regular intensive training programs can quickly deplete iron stores and are at risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where there are not enough red blood cells (or haemoglobin) in the body.

Haemoglobin (which contains iron) is the compound in the blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and organs in the body. Since we all need oxygen to survive, and the muscles need oxygen to work effectively, having a normal haemoglobin/iron level is very important for an athlete wanting to perform well!

These athletes, and in particular, female and adolescent athletes, have higher iron requirements than non-athletes. An athlete may develop iron deficiency either due to inadequate dietary intake, inadequate absorption or increased iron loss.